HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 in Hong Kong | Fully Funded

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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is offering the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28 for outstanding students who want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong. The programme provides a comprehensive scholarship package covering postgraduate support, tuition fees, research and conference travel, and other financial assistance during the normative study period.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is available to applicants from around the world who apply for full-time PhD study at HKU. All applicants applying for a full-time PhD programme are automatically considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

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HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Benefits

For the 2027/28 admission, each selected HKU Presidential PhD Scholar can receive a package worth up to around HK$445,800 (US$57,150) in the first year and up to around HK$428,300 (US$54,920) in each subsequent year during the normative study period.

The scholarship package includes:

• Postgraduate Scholarship: HK$28,700 per month
• Tuition fee waiver: HK$49,500 per year during the normative study period
• Cash award: HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 per year afterward
• Conference and research travel allowance: HK$14,400 per year
• Guaranteed hall place: Available in the first year, with the possibility of renewal
• Additional-year financial support: Available to selected outstanding students who demonstrate strong research output and progress

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars also receive academic and training support, including individualised advisory services, teaching training, opportunities to interact with leading scholars, and additional mentorship from distinguished faculty members.

Also Check: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

Eligibility for HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

1. Applicants must be applying for a full-time PhD programme at The University of Hong Kong (HKU).
2. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected PhD programme, as requirements can vary by faculty, school or department.
3. Candidates with an honours Bachelor’s degree can be considered for PhD admission, while specific PhD programmes may require additional qualifications.
4. Applicants for the 4-year PhD may be considered with a Bachelor’s degree with honours and/or a taught Master’s degree. Applicants with a research Master’s degree may be considered for the 3-year PhD.
5. Applicants must meet any required English language proficiency standards if their previous qualification was not taught and/or examined in English.
6. Applicants should submit the academic and research documents required by their selected programme, including transcripts and a research proposal or statement of research interest where required.
7. All applicants for full-time PhD programmes are automatically considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme. There is no separate HKU-PS scholarship application.
8. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

Also Check: King Abdulaziz University International Student Scholarships 2027 in Saudi Arabia

HKU PhD Scholarship Application Deadline 2027/28

Applications for HKU PhD programmes and the Presidential PhD Scholar Programme are accepted throughout the year. For 2027/28 admission, HKU has three application rounds:

• Main Round: September 1, 2026 to December 1, 2026
• First Clearing Round: December 2, 2026 to April 30, 2027
• Second Clearing Round: May 1, 2027 to August 31, 2027

HKU strongly encourages applicants to apply during the Main Round because places are limited and clearing-round applications are considered only when vacancies remain. Some academic units may also begin reviewing applications before the round deadline.

Applicants interested in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) should also apply during the Main Round. For 2027/28 admission, the HKPFS initial application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

How to Apply HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

1. Scholarship consideration: Once you apply for a full-time PhD programme, you are automatically considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship. HKU recommends Main Round applicants also consider the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
2. Choose a PhD programme: Select the HKU faculty, school, department or interdisciplinary research area that matches your academic and research interests.
3. Check the requirements: Review the admission requirements, application period, English language requirements and programme-specific documents.
4. Prepare your documents: Prepare your degree certificates, complete academic transcripts, research proposal or statement of research interest, identification document and other required materials.
5. Identify referees: Choose two academic referees and obtain their consent before submitting the application.
6. Create an online account: Register through the HKU Online Application System for PhD and MPhil Admission.
7. Complete the application form: Enter your academic and personal information and upload the required supporting documents.
8. Pay the application fee: Submit the required application fee and complete the online application.
9. Apply during the Main Round: For 2027/28 admission, the Main Round runs from September 1 to December 1, 2026. HKU also has clearing rounds from December 2, 2026 to April 30, 2027, and May 1 to August 31, 2027.
10. Track your application: Applicants can check their application and referee report status through the online system and should monitor their email for updates.